-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
word problem
noun
: a mathematical problem expressed entirely in words typically used as an educational tool
Examples of word problem in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are also word problems, which Lily was not expecting.
—Allegra Goodman, The New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2024
Consider a middle-school word problem: A store is selling 6 bags of marbles for $18.
—Shalinee Sharma, TIME, 7 Aug. 2024
Language models have learned to do surprising things that even those who trained them did not anticipate, including unscrambling words, performing eight-digit arithmetic, and solving mathematical word problems.
—Josh A. Goldstein, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2023
For example, customers can use Circle to Search on Android to highlight a math or physics word problem, and LearnLM will help solve the question.
—Emilia David, The Verge, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for word problem
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1903, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near word problem
Cite this Entry
“Word problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word%20problem. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share